Last year, I posted a little blurb about Helen Stevens and directed readers to her two websites, one which offered online classes in thread painting and the other, called Fritillary, which offered a variety of goods for the embroiderer or anyone who appreciates beautiful embroidery and fabrics…
Just recently, Helen’s two websites have combined into one: Fritillary and True Embroideries. So now you can browse through the different goods Helen offers to those interested in really fine needlework goods, or you can glean information and instruction – all at the same site.
If thread painting (aka needlepainting, long and short stitch shading, etc. etc. etc.) interests but intimidates you, perhaps you should take a look at Helen’s online classes. She offers a basic class on the Champagne Rose for free. The classes include the pattern and instructions, suggested materials (you can buy a materials pack for each course), and video instruction.
While you’re squizzing around the site, stop in at the virtual exhibition page, where you can enjoy a slideshow of Helen’s work.
There are two items on Helen’s website that I really do drool over – the bobbin joe and the cabinet for silks. You can find them on the furnishings page. Both are slightly out of my accessory price range, though, especially considering the exchange rate! But if you have a dear friend who’s a stitcher, or a mom, or someone very close to you who loves to embroider, I would imagine that either of those would make an excellent Christmas or birthday gift, if they’re within your price range!
This autumn, I’m planning (and hopefully executing – but that’s a Whole Nuther Story!) to work a piece of figure embroidery. I have the collection of Helen’s silks, and will be using some of them for the eyes and other elements. They’re the only flat silks I’ve found that are really tiny, and really flat. I think they’d be perfect for doing a small set of human eyes. I’ll let you know how that goes!
I hope you enjoy browsing Helen Stevens’s new website – there’s lots there to inspire, that’s for sure!
I *love* her silk box… it’s really what I was wishing I could afford when I set out to store my silks. I ended up with a cool solution – but it’s not nearly as elegant as hers.
Thanks for the site reference. It’s absolutely lovely, although I’m not sure I’m up to that level of challenge yet. On a completely separate topic, I’ve read in Jane Rainbow about the use of a pin frame. But I haven’t encountered it referred to elsewhere. Have you tried using one before and is it any good?
D.S.wrote
Why do I enjoy and recommend the A-Z series for elegant embroidery at all levels?
Hi Mary, thank you for the link to Helen’s website. Another enjoyable hour was spent looking through her collection before going off to a boring stats lecture.
Wow! What beautiful work Helen does!
I’m head over heels for the “Autumn Leaves” mini cushion in the Furnishings section!
I LOVE H.S’s blue butterflies!!!
Thanks for sharing this site!
Christiana
oh gee mary – I thought you were offering up the box of silks for your next giveaway 🙂
Oh, I forgot to ask,
Could you please write one of your awesome thread comparisons of the flat silks you mentioned? Also how and when to use them?
Your comparisons are always sooo helpful!
Christiana